Friday, May 6, 2011

Pink Saturday...May 7, 2011 Smocking!

Happy Pink Saturday!
Here is little Yvette Marie wearing her new pink smocked dress that I learned how to make last week!
I had the delightful experience of boarding the large ferry, Spirit of Vancouver Island, from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Schwartz Bay on Vancouver Island as a "walk on".
I think this is the 3rd time I've done that. If you've never visited Vancouver BC, and taken the 2 hour ferry ride across the channel to the Island, you are missing something exquisite!

This is my friend, Sarah Jean. She is a sister with St. John's House in Saanich.
I met her online in a Bleuette sewing group!
She visited me last October and invited me to visit her this Spring in order to have a sewing retreat.
We had lunch last Thursday, April 28, at James Bay Teahouse in Victoria.
This place has been around for many years, and the walls are covered with British Royalty photos and memorabilia.

We had a grand time at lunch. If you click on the photos you will be able to see what we ate.
Victoria has a much milder climate than we do! All the flowers and the glorious pink trees were in full bloom.

I had smocked a pillow in High School, and over 20 years ago I had smocked a baby dress on my own, but I'd forgotten how to apply the smocking dots, and how to gather the stitches in the back.
Sarah Jean brought it all back to me!
Here is a row of cable stitches and a row of baby wave stitches.
For a small dress for Bleuette, the dots are ironed on twice; close together.

I began the dress as soon as I arrived on Tuesday and I sewed all day Wednesday.
It was fun and enjoyable but smocking requires a great deal of patience!

I sewed the dress together later that day, and I also embroidered a back stitch around the neckline.
I love to embroider and haven't done it in a while.

I love how the dress turned out, and so does Yvette Marie!
Before tea we took a walk along the Dallas Road near the water.
It was very cold but the sun was shining.
I hope you enjoyed my Pink Saturday Post.
To see more posts on all things pink, please click on the Pink Saturday link in my side bar.

14 comments:

Beverly said...

Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Mother's Day, Loretta.

Your trip must have been wonderful. I've always hoped I will be able to visit BC someday. And, your smocked dress is so pretty. I love smocking.♥

My name is Riet said...

You must have had a wonderful trip. I love the smocked dress. How neat to be able to learn it. Happy pink Saturday

mypinkprettiesaboutme said...

Happy Mother's Day

I'm glad you got to spend time with such a special friend. Smocking looks very hard to me. You do wonderful work.

HPS

LL

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Happy Saturday and Happy Mothers Day!
Isn't it fun to smock? I love to do it and I haven't for quite a while. Time!
I know Vancouver Island and that wonderful Ferry ride. We lived in Blaine, WA. for many years and boarding the ferry for the ride was such fun! Of course we took our car. As we approached Vancouver Island, many times we saw Eagles and that was such a thrilling sight! I remember how lovely the town was with all the huge hanging basket of flowers....Oh such wonderful memories!
Jil

Unknown said...

How pretty! You did an excellent job...I'd love to learn one day! I've got 4 little girls and would love to make them pretty dresses with smocking!

HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah

jeanne said...

I have been in BC before. The whole area is so beautiful. Lucky you.

I learned how to smock several years ago and I made a Christmas ball. I don't remember what I did but I remember it was tedious and fun. The doll dress is beautiful. Good job!
Happy Mother's Day.
Hugs. Jeanne

Betty said...

What a fun trip and the smocking is wonderful.

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

Sounds like such a fun trip and the dress is goreous! I am your newest follower so I will be back to visit!

Hugs and HPS,
Jacalyn

dana said...

Happy Pink Saturday!!

What a wonderful trip! And, what amazing smocking! I am a "sewing" kinda gal, but have never attempted that art. One of my best friends spent HOURS smoking her daughter's dress that she wore for her First Communion. I know how hard it is to do after watching what she did. Little Yvette Marie is a lucky one, indeed!!

dana

The Artful Diva said...

You're a very talented student. Your smocking is lovely.

Happy Mother's Day!

Terri Morse said...

What a delightful post! Yvette is stunning in her new designer dress! The smocking turned out beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day! Terri

Unknown said...

Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Mothers Day, your smoking is amazing and I tried it once and know how much work it is, hats off to you, beautiful job! Hugs Marilou

Lolita said...

Hi Loretta,
Today viiste your blog, but I meant to write Semuy little English and do not miss the opportunity to tell that I love everything you have on the blog in good time he was the son of your High School Exit epos to negotiate with the blog.
I love those dolls I have a pocs that and bought them as a collection, here in Costa Rica where I live my passion.
I had to use a translator paraexprsarte I am very happy and share with your friend, and someday I'd like that could be given the opportunity to visit Costa Rica.
I work for a emprsade books, I am encagada of a department, I have 16 years married to my husband, I am a Christian and I love a lot to live all my amigasde sharing on my blog, there are very few but I am very happy.
I hope you and understand the translation are in contact.
Granabraz kisses and thanks for sharing your blog entries.
Greetings, Lolita

Sue@MyArtsDesire said...

Peeking around at the Pink Saturday posts and your dolly caught my eye! Love the sweet smocking on the dress you make for her. Our family thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the Banff area of Canada many years ago. We were all set on another trip to Whistlers and planned to take the ferry but we found out we were being transferred by my hubby's company. We keep saying we are going to reschedule that trip one of these years. Everybody I know who has ever visited that area just raves about the beauty. One of these days...! Happy PS, Xo, Sue